Guided tours of Alicante’s Air-raid Shelters

Current Routes and Future Itineraries

To provide a comprehensive overview of our history, we have put together a network of themed walking tours that take in the key landmarks of Alicante’s history:

• Route 1:  Seneca Interpretation Centre and Shelters R31/Balmis R46 (only this route is currently available)
• Route 2: Shelters on Avenida General Marvá (R35) and Plaza Músico Oscar Tordera (R38), ending in the vicinity of the Central Market.
• Route 3: Shelters at Plaza Castellón (R36) and the former Tobacco Factory (R69).
• Route 4: Route through the Town Hall and the MeCID, exploring the urban transformation and the historical landmarks of the port area.
• Route 5: Santa Faz Monastery shelter and Torres de la Huerta.
• Route 6: Benalúa Sur shelter (R96) and the port

*At present, only Route 1 is available; we will provide updates on the opening of new routes as they become available.

Book your place to secure access to these protected sites with limited capacity.

The Association of Official Tourist Guides of the Valencian Community, in close collaboration with the Department of Historical Memory and the Culture Department of Alicante City Council, is honoured to accompany you on this journey. Let us guide you through the lesser-known corners of Alicante to discover our history and heritage.

Alicante: Take Refuge in Memory

During the Spanish Civil War, Alicante became a rear base and a city of refuge. As a port of hope for thousands of refugees, the city had to learn to protect itself from the incessant aerial bombardments that dictated the rhythm of daily life until the end of the conflict in 1939.

Under the direction of the Passive Defence Board, Alicante built an unprecedented network of protection: more than 90 public air-raid shelters that wove an underground city designed to save lives.

Today, some of these historic spaces are reopening their doors. We invite you to descend beneath the city to:

Learn about the real-life experiences of the citizens during the hardest years of the war.

Discover the historical milestones that shaped the destiny of our city.

The Association of Official Tourist Guides of the Valencian Community, in close collaboration with the Department of Historical Memory and the Culture Department of Alicante City Council, is delighted to accompany you on this journey. Let us guide you through the lesser-known corners of Alicante to discover our history and heritage.